The Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi, Associate Prof. Ngeyi Ruth Kanyongolo, has been laid to rest on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Chechamba village in Thyolo district.
Associate Prof. Kanyongolo died on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Mwaiwathu Hospital in Blantyre after a short illness.
In his homily during her burial Mass, the Chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), who is also the Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi, His Grace George Desmond Tambala, commended the life well-lived of Associate Prof. Kanyongolo of service to the Church through her dedication.
“I have been listening to so many things that have been said by a lot of people, and one said, through her, we learnt to be servants; this teaches us that no matter how we can be educated, we need to serve God. How I wish our leaders had that spirit of servant leadership,” said Archbishop Tambala.
In his speech during a requirem mass that was held at the Catholic University of Malawi on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, before proceeding to her village, University Council Chairperson His Grace Thomas Luke Msusa applauded the humble gesture of her acceptance to serve as the Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi.
“I told her that we may not be able to give the best remuneration comparing with others who are in a similar position, but she said, Here I am. Send me. I am not going there because of money but to serve the church in that capacity,” said archbishop Msusa.
Associate Professor Kanyongolo became the first female vice chancellor of the Catholic University. She had a number of qualifications, including a PhD in Law from the University of Warwich (2007), a Master’s degree in Law from the University of London (1997), and a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) from the University of Malawi (1991).
She was born Ngeyi Jumbe and was married to Professor Fidelis Edge Kanyongolo, whom together had two children, Ulemu and Ufulu.